Unusual Census Entry

I always thought this was an interesting find. This 1891 UK census entry is for Sir Ronald Doulton of "Royal Doulton" fame. It would be unusual in 1891 to have the wife listed as "Head" of the household. Also a personal comment has been added to the "M" married item. Ronald was my great grandfathers good friend and the origin of my name. I do have a couple items that were gifted to my great grandfather and brought to Canada in 1912 with the family.

Sir Ernest Fisk

Sir Ernest Fisk, born on August 8, 1886, in Sunbury, Middlesex, England, was a renowned figure in the field of wireless communication. He played a significant role in the development and expansion of global telecommunications during the early 20th century.

Fisk's career in wireless communication began when he joined the Marconi Company in 1902. He quickly rose through the ranks, displaying exceptional skills and a deep understanding of the technology. In 1912, Fisk was appointed as the General Manager of Marconi's Australian operations, which brought him to Sydney, New South Wales.

During World War I, Fisk's expertise in wireless communication became crucial. He played a vital role in establishing wireless communication links between Australia and the British military forces in Europe. Fisk's efforts greatly improved communication capabilities, enabling faster and more reliable transmission of messages.

In recognition of his contributions, Fisk was knighted for his services in 1918, becoming Sir Ernest Fisk. He continued to work tirelessly to advance wireless technology and expand its applications. Fisk's vision extended beyond military communication, and he saw the potential of wireless technology for civilian use.

Searching for the Binney girls

Probably back in my early 20’s I recall asking my dad what he knew about our family history.

Unfortunately, he knew very little about the family prior to their arrival in Canada from England in 1912. He did know of a few family stories though. One such story was that we were related to a New York music publisher named Gray and that he had two daughters that were movie stars. My dad had gone down to New York in the 1950’s and was met by one of the family.

Barbara Willard: Illuminating the Past Through Timeless Tales

In the rich tapestry of English literature, certain authors possess the unique ability to transport readers to bygone eras, offering glimpses into the lives and landscapes of times long past. Barbara Willard, a

prolific writer of historical fiction, was one such author, whose evocative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail captivated readers of all ages. Through her timeless tales, Willard breathed life into the pages of history, illuminating the past with a clarity and resonance that continues to enchant readers to this day.

Herleve of Falaise (1003-1050)

My 26th great aunt.  Her brother Walter de Falaise was my 26th great grandfather.  Herleve 1st married Robert Duke of Normandy.  They had a son named William Duke of Normandy or better known as William the Conqueror.  William would be my 1st cousin 27 times removed.

Sailing the high seas

When I was a kid I remember watching those old Errol Flynn movies on TV with the buccaneers, those massive ships, and all the guns firing on the enemy prior to boarding and capturing the ship.  It was exciting to watch.

Well I can now say that I have cousins who sailed aboard some of those massive ships.  I have managed to find three cousins on my fathers side of the family who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).

Turner Fransaer family makes contact

On Thursday of last week I received an email from a woman named Nicole in Belgium. She provided information in relation to the Corke, Fransaer families. My 3rd great grandmother, Philly Turner Field had a sister, Harriet Turner that married a James Corke. Today I received an email from a Mrs. Denise Fransaer Corke the wife of Charles Clarence Corke, my 3rd cousin 2 times removed.

Denise has been researching the Fransaer, Corke family for 30 years so hopefully we can fill in a lot of missing information.

Charles Field, Egypt, Sudan Veteran

20th Hussars

Yesterday I discovered my first pre WWI Field family veteran. Charles Field born in 1857 in Marden, Kent the son of Joseph Field and Ann Love spent 18 years serving with the 20th Hussars. Two and a half of those years were spent in Egypt. I have obtained Charles service record and will be going through it to provide more details. Currently I know that he receive two good conduct badges, the Egypt Medal and the Khedive Bronze Star 1884-86.

I understand It's very difficult to locate family members in these records so I'm very pleased that I was able to find two individuals so far (Frederick Sherrod was the other).

UK Field family found

The Forge, Field home, Frant, Sussex 1910

After many years of searching a connection has been made to a branch of the family that has the Field surname. Well they actually found me! This family line is a direct Field line from the village of Frant, Sussex. William Field and Philly had a daughter Florence who married the son of Charles Field, John Field her first cousin. This means that the entire line of descendants of John and Florence are double related to my Field line.
Mike Field is married, has children and a brother. Previously the only male Fields left were the six in Canada, five more from the UK can now be added.
Mike and I are exchanging information and tracking down his aunts families in Wales and Australia.

Another Field line in Canada

The Forge, Field family home.  Frant, Sussex. C. 1910

Last night I was surprised to discover that another member of the Field family had immigrated to Canada. Arthur Edward Field and his wife Ann Chapman were married in Cranbrook, Kent in 1903. They then took a trip to the United States to visit some Chapman relatives in Sycamore, Illinois. I'm not sure how long there were there but their oldest son Arthur M. Field was born in the United States in 1905.

In 1907 Arthur Field arrived in Canada and apparently settled in Vancouver, Canada. They had four children that I know of, Arthur M., Stephen E., Alice D., and Frederick John. Arthur and his wife Ann both passed away in 1939, Arthur in March and Ann in November.

***I have not yet been able to trace any of the family after 1939.***

Update May 30th 2012: I have now been in touch with the family, a descendant of Frederick John Field. We will be updating our family tree.

My great grandfather Philip Percy Field and Arthur Edward Field were second cousins.

Crimean and Indian Mutiny War Veteran

I have located the first family member that I can confirm was in the Crimean War and also served during the Indian Mutiny. Frederick Benjamin Sherrod husband of Emily Anne Field was with Her Majesties 82nd foot regiment and was awarded the Crimea War medal 1854-55 with clasp, 'Sebastopol', Turkish and Indian Mutiny Medals. After the Crimea for 7 months he then served in India with the 82nd for 12 years and 5 months. I have obtained his service records and will update as I gather more information. Frederick served with the 82nd for more than 21 years and had obtained 4 good conduct badges.

Crimean Medal w/ clasp	Indian Mutiny Medal	Turkish War Medal (British)

Philip Percy Field Arrives in Canada

RMS Royal George

It has always been thought that my great grandfather Philip Percy Field arrived in Canada in 1912. Now that the Canadian passenger records have been index and available on-line I now know exactly when the family arrived in Canada.

Philip age 41 left Bristol, Gloucestershire, England alone on a 3rd class ticket (T2543) September 6th 1911 aboard the RMS Royal George. The voyage took eight days and he arrived in Montreal, Quebec at 11 pm on September 14th. Located beside Philips name on the manifest, there's a notation, "S. Army", I believe this is in reference to the fact that the Salvation Army use to assist families with their relocation. From Montreal Philip travelled to Toronto via the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). To be continued....